Morning Headlines - Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025

Start your day informed with today’s must-read headlines from around Wisconsin and the world. And don’t forget to check out our Meme of the Day at the end for a little humor to go with your news!

U.S. and World Headlines

Trump Says Tariffs On Canada And Mexico ‘Will Go Forward’

President Donald Trump said sweeping U.S. tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico “will go forward” when a monthlong delay on their implementation expires next week.

“The tariffs are going forward on time, on schedule,” Trump said when asked if the postponed tariffs would soon go back into effect.

US Sides With Russia In UN Resolutions On Ukraine

The US has twice sided with Russia in votes at the United Nations to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the Trump administration's change of stance on the war.

First the US opposed a European-drafted resolution condemning Moscow's actions and supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity - voting the same way as Russia and countries including North Korea and Belarus at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Student Loan Borrowers Face Abrupt 180 As GOP Budget Plans Threaten To Raise Payments

Student loan borrowers could see their payments increase under budget plans currently under discussion by House Republicans, a violent about-face after years of working with the Biden administration to lower payments and secure debt relief.

While the GOP proposals might change quickly, student loan forgiveness is now a thing of the past, and borrowers are bracing as their loans become a potential reconciliation target.

Federal Agencies Still Can't Agree On 'What Did You Do Last Week?' Email

Federal agencies were split on whether employees should comply with Elon Musk's directive to list five accomplishments in the past week, sowing more confusion as the midnight deadline for responding loomed, according to emails seen by NPR, and as the agency overseeing the request appeared to issue conflicting guidance Monday.

Listeria Outbreak Linked To Recalled Frozen Shakes Now Blamed For 12 Deaths

A listeria outbreak linked to recalled frozen supplemental nutrition shakes has infected 38 people, killing 12, according to an update on Monday from federal and state health officials.

The infections, which ranged across 21 states, have been traced to recalled products manufactured by Prairie Farms Dairy at a facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Swabs collected from the plant's processing area tested positive for listeria, with the investigation ongoing.

Wisconsin Headlines

Republican Lawmakers Alarmed By Gov. Evers’ “Mother” Changes

There is outrage at the Wisconsin Capitol from Republican lawmakers who say Gov. Tony Evers should not be erasing mothers.

The governor changed “mother” to “inseminated person” in a budget line about IVF. The governor also dropped the words “father” and “husband” from other parts of the budget. He even suggested changing "mother" to "parent who gave birth to the child" in another part of his plan.

DOT, Better Business Bureau Warn Of Car Sale Scams Targeting Wisconsinites

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the Better Business Bureau are warning consumers to take a closer look before buying a car online.

According to the DOT, car sale scams have cost Wisconsinites anywhere from $25,000 to $190,000, and have recently been on the rise.

Who Spent The Most Money In 2024 To Lobby Wisconsin Lawmakers?

An organization that represents the construction, utility, telecommunications and mining industries reported spending of about $900,000 in lobbying the Wisconsin Legislature in 2024, with the Milwaukee Brewers, the Koch network, Kwik Trip and Google also spending hundreds of thousands over the year.

DOGE Targeting Multiple Federal Offices In Wisconsin For Closure

Four federal offices in Wisconsin are listed on the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) website as targets for closure or consolidation.

According to DOGE, moving a Department of Defense office in Milwaukee from a leased space to federal space would save $186,700 each year. The office takes up around 7,300 square feet.

What Closing Will Look Like After 133 Years Of Ashland’s Northland College

After staving off closure last year following a multimillion dollar budget shortfall and seriously declining student enrollment, Ashland’s Northland College last week announced this semester will be its last.

The 133-year-old college, acclaimed for its environmental education curriculum, consists of 19 buildings on a 130-acre campus, plus another natural area of about the same size.

The closure not only impacts students struggling to finish their degrees but also faculty and staff whose jobs contribute to the city’s economy, culture and identity.